Nuclear Engineers

Job opportunities for nuclear engineers are expected to decline by 1 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Most openings will arise as nuclear engineers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. However, good opportunities for nuclear engineers should still exist because the small number of nuclear engineering graduates is likely to be in balance with the number of job openings.

A Gallup poll reported that, in 2023, 55 percent of U.S. adults said that they “strongly” or “somewhat” favored the use of nuclear energy. Another 44 percent of Americans “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed such use. As described in a World Nuclear News article, "over the long term, public views on the use of nuclear energy in the U.S. seem to fluctuate in reaction to domestic energy prices."

In an effort to demonstrate clean energy leadership and to promote a low-carbon economy, the U.S. Energy Department has initiated advanced nuclear reactor projects that will enhance traditional light water designs. The projects exemplify next-generation efforts to address challenges in designing, building, and operating nuclear reactors. These initiatives support the nation’s efforts to reduce carbon pollution and ignite innovation across a wide variety of energy technologies including nuclear energy.